Shoe Review: Adizero Adios Boost

I received the Adizero Adios Boost from adidas’ Adrien Semblat a week before I was to bid Manila “adios” (ack, I’m so corny) for Tokyo Marathon.  I was itching to road test them, but I didn’t want to experiment with shoes before a marathon and, when I came home with discomfort in my knee, I thought it best to wait for full recovery.

Now that I’m completely healed (yeah baby!), I was able to test the shoes twice on short runs.  Here’s what I thought about the Adizero Adios Boost.

[PROS]

LIGHT.  Adidas Adios Boost weighs in at 7.8 ounces for a size 9.  It’s a long distance racing flat, so it’s not as light as other racing shoes, but definitely lighter than your usual training shoe. You feel fast and nimble in these shoes!

COMFORTABLE RIDE.  adidas’ Boost technology, the bubble look in the sole that looks like Styrofoam, is said to provide a runner with continuous energy return.  They say the material has been proven to be three times more temperature-resistant than standard EVA material, thus providing a more consistent and comfortable run.  I truly felt the cushioning from Boost with every step, especially at the heel, which made for a comfortably bouncy ride.  It was just the right amount of cushioning, soft but not too much.  It was also responsive without being too stiff.

GREAT FIT. Silly me, on the second time I tested these shoes, I came from a swim and, as I dressed for the run, I realized I didn’t have any socks.  I ran sockless in these shoes (like them crazy triathletes! LOL) and they were very comfortable.  The molded responsive EVA sockliner is said to provide for an anatomical fit and great step-in comfort and I agree.  The heel counter felt snug.

GOOD TRACTION.  Most noticeable for me was the midfoot traction on the ground due to use of Continental Rubber for optimal grip.  With our crazy weather, this comes in perfect for the rainy season.

BREATHABLE MATERIAL.  I enjoyed the breathable mesh on the upper of this shoe.

ATTRACTIVE.  The bright orange color?  Love it.

[CONS]

MARATHON SHOE?   The ads and press material call the Adios Boost a marathon shoe, but I believe they must make it clear that it’s a great marathon shoe for the elite or efficient neutral runner. If you’re like me, a mere mortal runner, you can use this shoe for shorter races.  I would use this for a 5k or 10k race or intervals at the track and always with my customized insoles at Intercare.

LACKS STABILITY.  I prefer more stability in my shoe. I found this to be a bit on the narrow side which leads to more pronation for me.

NARROW UPPER.  I’ve got bunions, suffer from lots of blisters, and I dealt with nightmarish Morton’s Neuroma in the past, so I need shoes that provide ample space for my toes.

PRICEY.  Price is on the high side at P7,995.

[THE VERDICT]

The adidas Adios Boost is a long distance racing flat for the neutral, efficient runner.  If you’re one of the lucky aforementioned ones, then it may be the perfect shoe for you that may just take you to break your new PR due to its lightness, responsiveness, and overall comfort.  If you’re like me who needs stability, then use it only for short races.

[PRODUCT DETAILS]

PRICE: P7,995

WHERE TO BUY: Available in various adidas and sports stores nationwide